• Virginia Specific - BBB issues warning about unemployment benefit scam
• Reston Man Pleads Guilty To Creating Fraudulent COVID-19 Stimulus Checks (VA) 
• Facebook takes down 16,000 groups trading fake reviews after another poke by UK’s CMA
• COVID vaccines are FREE! – Watch out for scams that say otherwise
• Virginia Beach couple sentenced for cheating 1,700 victims in internet loan scams
• Portsmouth Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraud Schemes Targeting Veterans
• Six Individuals Sentenced for Nearly $8 Million Health Care Fraud Involving Northern Virginia Pharmacies
• New website available to help victims of unemployment insurance fraud
• FBI Warns About Scams As People Seek New Jobs 
• Virginia State Police recognizes fraud fighters

5 Signs of a Scam

If you spot any of these tactics, stop and walk away. You're probably being scammed.

1. They contacted you
   When you contact a business, you know who's on the other end of the line. But when someone contacts you first, you can't be certain they're telling the truth. You don't know if they are whom they say they are. And remember, email addresses and caller ID information can be faked.
2. They dangle bait—usually money
   Let's face it: People simply don't give away large sums of money easily. If someone dangles bait in front of you—a big prize, a shopping spree, an easy loan — for nothing, they're probably lying.
3. They want your personal information
   Anytime anyone asks for your personal information — bank accounts, social security number, etc. — you should be on alert. Don't give it away quickly or easily, especially to someone you don't know. You may become a victim of identity theft.
4. You have to pay them first
   If someone offers you a prize, debt relief, or employment — but first you have to pay an upfront fee to get it —you're probably being scammed.
5. You have to wire money or send gift cards
   If you're about to wire money or send gift cards to someone in order to receive a prize, or pay off a debt collector that contacts you ... STOP! This may be a scammer trying to take your money.